BEA topped by rival USC, 55-45

Rebels pull away in second half despite 20 turnovers

December 8, 2013

The Blue Earth Area girls basketball team fell to cross-county rival United South Central in their season opener last Tuesday night in Wells.

The Buccaneers suffered a 55-45 defeat to the Rebels.

"USC had good size that gave us problems," coach Al Cue says. "They also handled the ball better than I hoped they would."

Article Photos

The Buccaneers Jenna Stevermer blows past her defender on her way to the basket last week in the game at USC. Stevermer scored 13 points for BEA.

BEA senior Jenna Stevermer led the way. She posted a double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds. Stevermer also hit 3 of 6 three-pointers for the team's only points behind the arc.

As a team, BEA only shot 32 percent from the field, compared to USC's 43 percent.

The Buccaneers had a hard time finding the right touch from beyond the arc, finishing the contest 3 of 16.

Also contributing was sophomore Paige Darrington. She filled the stat sheet with 10 points, two assists, eight rebounds and two steals.

The Buccaneers couldn't stop USC freshman Shianne Robertson. She finished with 18 points, seven rebounds and two steals. Robertson was 8 of 10 from the field, scoring easy buckets in the paint.

USC sophomore Lauren Allis recorded a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds. She also blocked three shots.

Tara Bauman led USC with seven assists. She also contributed six points and grabbed six boards.

The first half was competitive and had the two squads trading baskets. USC took a two point edge into halftime, 26-24.

Despite committing 20 turnovers, the Rebels pulled away in the second half creating a double-digit lead.

BEA hosted New Ulm on Dec. 6 for a matchup with the Eagles and traveled to Lake Crystal-Wellcome Memorial on Dec. 7. These games were played after the Faribault County Register deadline. Game results will be included in the next Register.

"Overall, I was very pleased with the girl's effort. They worked very hard the entire game," Cue says. "You always want to win that first game, but I left the game feeling very positive about a lot of aspects of how we played."